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ECE R-12
Driver Protection Against the Steering Mechanism
Applies to
M, N
Topic
Occupant safety
Framework
UN ECE
Velocert services
European
Overview
UN Regulation No 12 lays down uniform provisions for the approval of vehicles with regard to the protection of the driver against the steering mechanism in the event of impact. It covers the behaviour of the steering mechanism, and the electrical power train operating on high voltage with the components and systems galvanically connected to it, with regard to protecting occupants in a frontal collision.
Current series: 05 series (in force 4 January 2023); this summary is based on the version published on EUR-Lex, 04 series, Supplement 5 (2018). GlobalAutoRegs also lists Supplement 1 to the 05 series with no entry-into-force date. Checked on GlobalAutoRegs, 1 November 2026. For the current text, see the UN (UNECE) page.
Scope
It applies to motor vehicles of category M1 and vehicles of category N1 with a maximum permissible mass of less than 1 500 kg. At the manufacturer's request, other vehicles may also be approved under this Regulation.
The regulation applies to the following vehicle categories:
M
Passenger vehicles
N
Goods vehicles
Official source
For the requirements of this regulation, refer to the official text in force and its amendments.
Official UNECE text